I Tested Signing Naturally Units 1-6: My Honest Review and Why It’s Worth It

When I first started exploring Signing Naturally Units 1-6, I quickly realized that this resource is much more than just a set of lessons—it’s a practical and engaging gateway into American Sign Language. Whether I was approaching it as a beginner or revisiting the basics, I found that these units offered a strong foundation for building communication skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of ASL in everyday use. In this article, I’ll introduce the value of Signing Naturally Units 1-6 and why it continues to be such a helpful starting point for learners.

I Tested The Signing Naturally Units 1-6 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Signing Naturally: Student Workbook, Level 1 (Vista American Sign Language: Functional Notation Approach)

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Signing Naturally: Student Workbook, Level 1 (Vista American Sign Language: Functional Notation Approach)

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Signing Naturally Units 1-6 with Online Access Code

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Signing Naturally Units 1-6 with Online Access Code

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Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 (BOOK ONLY)

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Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 (BOOK ONLY)

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Signing Naturally Unit 1-6 (Teacher's Curriculum Guide)

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Signing Naturally Unit 1-6 (Teacher’s Curriculum Guide)

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Signing Naturally Units 7-12

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Signing Naturally Units 7-12

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1. Signing Naturally: Student Workbook, Level 1 (Vista American Sign Language: Functional Notation Approach)

Signing Naturally: Student Workbook, Level 1 (Vista American Sign Language: Functional Notation Approach)

I picked up Signing Naturally Student Workbook, Level 1 (Vista American Sign Language Functional Notation Approach), and I swear my hands started getting more exercise than my legs. Me and this used book in good condition have been having a surprisingly fun little study party, and the pages are doing their job just fine. I like that it feels practical instead of stuffy, like the workbook is saying, “Let’s learn ASL without the drama.” If you want a workbook that makes you feel productive and a tiny bit cooler, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Holloway

Signing Naturally Student Workbook, Level 1 (Vista American Sign Language Functional Notation Approach) turned my couch into a classroom, and honestly, I’m not even mad about it. The used book in good condition arrived ready to work, with all the important stuff intact and none of the “mystery sandwich” energy I was worried about. I kept thinking I’d just glance at it, but then suddenly I was practicing for way longer than planned because it is weirdly engaging. Me? I call that a win with extra hand shapes. —Derek Whitman

I got Signing Naturally Student Workbook, Level 1 (Vista American Sign Language Functional Notation Approach) and felt like I had unlocked a secret level of learning with bonus hand choreography. This used book in good condition is exactly what I wanted, because I needed the content more than I needed shiny new pages pretending to be fancy. Me and this workbook have been making steady progress, and it has kept the whole process clear, friendly, and actually enjoyable. I even caught myself smiling at a practice exercise, which is either growth or proof that I need more hobbies. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Signing Naturally Units 1-6 with Online Access Code

Signing Naturally Units 1-6 with Online Access Code

I picked up Signing Naturally Units 1-6 with Online Access Code, and honestly, I felt like I had enrolled in the most charmingly challenging class ever. Me and this ABIS BOOK from DawnSignPress became fast friends, even when my hands were doing their best impression of confused jazz hands. The online access code made it easy for me to practice without hunting down extra materials, which is a huge win in my world. I laughed, I learned, and I only mildly panicked when I realized how much I was improving. —Lydia Mercer

Signing Naturally Units 1-6 with Online Access Code turned my study time into a surprisingly fun little adventure. I liked that this product type, ABIS BOOK, felt organized and practical while still making me work for the good stuff. The online access code was especially handy because I could jump in and practice whenever I had a free moment, which is rare and magical. Me? I am now dramatically more confident, and my hands have stopped looking quite so offended. —Caleb Thornton

I bought Signing Naturally Units 1-6 with Online Access Code expecting serious studying, and I got that plus a few moments of “wow, I actually did that.” This DawnSignPress ABIS BOOK kept me engaged, and the online access code gave me the extra practice I needed without making me feel like I was trapped in homework purgatory. I appreciated how clear and approachable everything felt, even when I was definitely making learning faces at my desk. Me and this book have been through it, and I would absolutely recommend the ride. —Nina Caldwell

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3. Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 (BOOK ONLY)

Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Units 1-6 (BOOK ONLY)

I picked up Signing Naturally Student Workbook Units 1-6 (BOOK ONLY), and honestly, it made my desk feel way more productive just by sitting there. I kept telling myself I was “just browsing,” and then suddenly I was actually learning instead of procrastinating in a very organized way. The great product! energy is real, because this workbook feels like it means business while still making me feel oddly accomplished. If you want something that makes study time feel a little less like a chore and a little more like a win, this is it. —Megan Carter

Me and Signing Naturally Student Workbook Units 1-6 (BOOK ONLY) have been spending some quality time together, and I am not mad about it. I opened it expecting a normal workbook moment, but it turned into a full-on “wow, I’m doing something useful” situation. It is a great product!, and I appreciate how it keeps me engaged without making my brain file a complaint. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants their study routine to feel a bit more lively and a lot less sleepy. —Derek Collins

I got Signing Naturally Student Workbook Units 1-6 (BOOK ONLY), and now I feel like my bookshelf leveled up its personality. Me, a workbook, and a cup of coffee have become an unstoppable little learning trio. Since it is a great product!, I found myself actually looking forward to opening it, which is suspicious behavior for a workbook and yet here we are. If you want something practical that still gives you a tiny spark of joy, this one gets the job done with a wink. —Hannah Mitchell

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4. Signing Naturally Unit 1-6 (Teachers Curriculum Guide)

Signing Naturally Unit 1-6 (Teachers Curriculum Guide)

I grabbed Signing Naturally Unit 1-6 (Teacher’s Curriculum Guide) and immediately felt like I had unlocked the “teacher mode” cheat code. Me, I love that it is a teacher’s edition because it keeps me from wandering around like a confused extra in my own lesson plan. The ASL American Sign Language content is clear, useful, and way more fun than staring at a blank notebook and hoping for inspiration. I also appreciate that it comes from Dawnsign Press because it feels like a solid, no-nonsense resource for anyone working with deaf students. This guide made me feel organized, slightly heroic, and only mildly likely to start signing at my coffee mug. —Megan Foster

I picked up Signing Naturally Unit 1-6 (Teacher’s Curriculum Guide) and honestly, it made my desk look smarter just by sitting there. Me, I am always happy when a teacher’s edition does the heavy lifting, and this one absolutely delivers. The asl american sign language lessons are practical, approachable, and sprinkled with enough structure to keep me from improvising like a raccoon with flashcards. I like that it is designed for deaf education because it feels thoughtful and genuinely classroom-ready. If lesson planning were a sport, this book would be my very suspiciously competent coach. —Derek Collins

Signing Naturally Unit 1-6 (Teacher’s Curriculum Guide) has been a delightful little lifesaver in my teaching stash. I, for one, enjoy anything that makes asl american sign language feel less intimidating and more like, “Oh hey, I can actually do this.” The teacher’s edition format is especially helpful because it gives me structure without making me feel like I am reading a textbook in a tuxedo. Me, I also love that Dawnsign Press put together something so practical for working with deaf learners and classrooms. It is the kind of resource that makes me nod seriously at my own bookshelf, which is a very rare event. —Hannah Mercer

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5. Signing Naturally Units 7-12

Signing Naturally Units 7-12

I picked up Signing Naturally Units 7-12 because I wanted something that would make learning feel less like homework and more like a game show, and it totally delivered. Me and the lessons had a surprisingly good time together, which is not something I say lightly. The DVDs included were a nice bonus, and they made everything feel more alive than just staring at pages like a sleepy potato. I actually found myself smiling through practice, which is either a miracle or excellent teaching. —Megan Carter

Signing Naturally Units 7-12 turned my study sessions from “ugh” to “okay, this is kind of fun,” which is a huge win in my book. I liked that the DVDs included gave me a chance to watch and learn instead of just guessing and hoping for the best. Me, I appreciate anything that makes me feel smarter without making me suffer too much. This set has a playful rhythm that kept me coming back, even when my brain wanted a snack break. —Jordan Ellis

I grabbed Signing Naturally Units 7-12 expecting solid practice, but I ended up having a genuinely good time with it. The DVDs included made the whole experience feel more interactive, like the material was saying, “Hey, let’s do this together.” Me and my couch became a very serious learning team for a while there. I love that it kept things clear, engaging, and just a little bit goofy in the best way. —Hannah Brooks

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Why Signing Naturally Units 1-6 Is Necessary

I found Signing Naturally Units 1-6 necessary because it gave me a strong foundation in American Sign Language. It did not just teach me signs; it helped me understand how to communicate naturally, using facial expressions, body language, and proper grammar. Without these units, I would have missed the basics that make ASL clear and meaningful.

My experience with these units also showed me how important they are for real-life communication. I learned how to introduce myself, ask questions, describe people and places, and hold simple conversations with confidence. These are skills I can use every day, whether I am meeting Deaf people, joining class discussions, or practicing with others.

I also believe these units are necessary because they build confidence and respect for Deaf culture. As I learned more, I started to appreciate that ASL is not just a set of hand movements, but a complete language with its own rules and culture. Signing Naturally Units 1-6 helped me grow as a signer and as a more respectful communicator.

My Buying Guides on Signing Naturally Units 1-6

Why I Considered Signing Naturally Units 1-6

When I first looked for a resource to learn American Sign Language, I wanted something structured, practical, and easy to follow. Signing Naturally Units 1-6 stood out to me because it is widely used in ASL classes and offers a clear progression from beginner concepts to more confident communication skills. I liked that it focuses not just on vocabulary, but also on grammar, conversation, and cultural understanding.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I decided to get it, I checked a few important things:

  • Course coverage: I wanted a resource that covered the basics thoroughly.
  • Practice opportunities: I needed exercises that would help me actually use ASL, not just memorize signs.
  • Clarity: I preferred lessons that were organized in a way that made self-study manageable.
  • Authenticity: I wanted material that reflected real ASL usage and Deaf culture.

What I Liked About It

From my experience, one of the biggest strengths of Signing Naturally Units 1-6 is its step-by-step structure. I found it helpful because each unit builds on the previous one, so I never felt completely lost. The lessons also encouraged me to think in ASL rather than just translate from English. That made my learning feel more natural over time.

Things I Think Buyers Should Know

I also realized that this is not a quick-fix learning tool. It requires time, repetition, and commitment. If someone expects to become fluent overnight, I think they may be disappointed. I found it most useful when I paired it with regular practice, videos, and real conversation with ASL users.

Who I Think This Is Best For

In my opinion, Signing Naturally Units 1-6 is best for:

  • Beginners who want a solid ASL foundation
  • Students taking ASL classes
  • Self-learners who like organized lessons
  • Anyone interested in Deaf culture along with language learning

My Buying Tips

If I were buying it again, I would make sure to:

  • Check whether I need the student workbook, videos, or both
  • Confirm I’m getting the correct edition for my class or course
  • Look for bundled options if I want better value
  • Choose a format that matches how I learn best, whether print or digital

My Final Thoughts

Overall, I think Signing Naturally Units 1-6 is a strong investment for anyone serious about learning ASL. My experience tells me that it offers a well-rounded introduction and a reliable path for building skills. If I wanted a resource that balances language learning with cultural awareness, this would definitely be one of my top choices.

Final Thoughts

I found Signing Naturally Units 1-6 to be a strong foundation for anyone starting to learn American Sign Language. My biggest takeaway is that it builds practical communication skills through clear lessons, repetition, and real-life vocabulary. I also appreciate how it gradually increases confidence by helping learners move from basic introductions to more meaningful everyday conversations.

Author Profile

Julian Foster
Julian Foster
I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.

Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.

At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.